So this is the End

by Alexandra Franzén

What happens when you find your soulmate, but you only have one day to live?

Perfect for fans of Jojo Moyes’ Me Before You and Jill Santopolo’s The Light We Lost, comes a powerful romance

What if doctors could revive you from death—and give you an extra 24 hours of life?

One more day. One more chance to tell your family how much you love them. One more chance to say goodbye to friends, listen to your favorite song, throw an epic party, feel the grass beneath your feet, or watch the sunset. How would you spend your time?

So This Is The End follows Nora Hamilton as she navigates her final 24 hours. She’s determined to do something meaningful and make every moment count.

Enter: Renzo. Ren, for short. Strong, compassionate, unfairly attractive, with a face that makes Nora’s stomach explode into stars. Their connection is immediate, with white-hot intensity. Nora is wracked with bittersweet joy and confusion as she realizes, “I’ve finally met the love of my life… on the last day of my life.”

Should she tell Ren the truth about her condition—tell him she doesn’t have much time left? How will he react? Is it unethical to allow yourself to fall in love with someone when there’s no possibility of a future together? Or is love a precious gift, no matter how long it lasts, even if it’s just for one day?

What happens next is a story about taking chances, making your own rules, and the power of living like there’s no tomorrow.

A moving romantic drama: Early readers call So This Is The End "a breath of fresh air," "moving and beautiful," "an amazing wake-up call," a book you'll be "unable to put down," with a story that makes you "fall in love the instant you start reading."

Genres: Fiction, Romance, Audiobook

Kindle Edition

Published October 15, 2018

Reviews

[Vira]

Я збиралась дочитати її 31 грудня, було б дуже символічно, зважаючи на назву. За сюжетом, вчені придумали, як кінською дозою стимулянтів оживити померлу людину ще на добу — і головна персонажка проживає таку добу. Вся думка твору — втілення ідеї «що ти зробиш в останній день свого життя». Я не знаю, як оцінювати цей текст. З одного боку, він дуже вдумливий і чуттєвий, я трохи покривилася з клішейних реплік і дій персонажки, але зрештою, вона звичайна людина і цілком очікувана як у своїй зашореності, так і в своїй сміливості. З іншого боку, я як я почуваюся зраджено від того, наскільки близько я змогла засоціювати себе з головною персонажкою спочатку і наскільки далеко від мене вона опинилась в кінці. Неправдоподібність того, як їй щастить у цей останній день, зашкалює, але само по собі це було б смішно, а в парі з усвідомленням, що мені так не пощастить — відчувалося просто як жорстокість. «Тобі так не буде, ха-ха». І я не проти якихось фантастичних штук — концепт оживлення хоч і пояснений, але все ж фантастичний, — але фантастичні і ще й відверто лишні штуки у фіналі були занадто для мене.
Ну я проридалась, шо там казати. І навіть надихнулась словами «завтра не гарантоване». А потім… потім я згадала, що й так живу, знаючи це. І пішла снідати.

[Danni Green · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a breath of fresh air, after the last few books I read turned out to be great disappointments. I always adore Franzen's writing and this was no exception. I fell in love the instant I started reading this and my love only grew as I stayed up late into the night, unable to put it down. (Well, that's not entirely true; I had to stop for a few minutes in the middle when I was crying too hard to see the screen.) This was one of those books that shook me up inside so deeply that I feel like it really changed me as a person. I'm so glad that I read this and look forward to reading it again some sleepless night in the future when I need a potent dose of fictional spectacularity.

[Melanie McGrade Davidson · Rating 4 out of 5]

So I love the idea of this book, the plot and storyline is so unique and fun and introspective! My interest was piqued right from the beginning (I loved the opening) and I continued to be captivated while reading. I did keep thinking that it was missing something big, but then changed my mind once I finished the book. It was a simple read and it was rather sweet, and I’m not sure I would want anything about it to change.

[Daria · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book is sweet, romantic, and has an interesting idea at the center of it. But it is also quite predictable and ... just so normy. Girl meets boy on the last day of her life, and he's hot and very nice to her. A very light read.

[Rose Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a short and sweet read that packed an emotional punch. It’s set in a near-future world where people can be brought back to life, but only for 24 hours. The main character, Nora(32), gets one final day after an unexpected death, and she’s determined to make the most of it.

She starts the day with a list of things she wants to do, like saying goodbye to her loved ones and maybe having one last amazing meal. Nora then has a bit of a meltdown unsure what to do with her time as these things just don’t feel like enough, she finds an add for a death coordinator who sets her up with an online dating profile after Nora confesses she really wishes she had found her soulmate. Then enters Ren, and their connection is instant. What follows is a whirlwind 24-hour romance that feels big and meaningful, even though it’s so brief.

The book explores what it means to really live and love, even when time is running out. It’s heartfelt, and super easy to get through in one sitting.

[Patti · Rating 3 out of 5]

***Received via Goodreads Giveaway***

Loved the premise, but the execution was lacking. Way too many times a character "gave a look like..." I found the idea of finding your "soul mate" when you only have 24 hours to live pretty selfish to the soul mate.

And the ending just left me flat.

[Michele · Rating 1 out of 5]

I never imagined that a Goodreads 4-star book would be this corny. I got about halfway through and couldn't take it any more. Maybe if I were in high school I'd like it, but it's not a story for worldly grownups.

[Gina · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Beautiful Love Story about Living Life

Very intriguing and enveloping. Live life while you have the chance. Live every day as if it were your last!

[Alison Chino · Rating 5 out of 5]

"...your life happens exactly once. Try to keep your eyes open. Stay awake."

This is a quote from Alexandra Franzen's book that I wrote down because staying awake to life can be hard. There are a million ways to fall asleep or be numb to our lives. I want to remember to "keep my eyes open" instead.

This refreshingly urgent love story is a both a delightful way to spend an afternoon getting lost and a sweet reminder to stay present to the life we have today, in this moment.

The main character, Nora, says in the book, "It's funny how it takes something so dramatic -- cancer, a car crash, a near-death experience, or actually dying -- before things become simple, vivid, and clear. Before we can appreciate what really matters..."

Any writing that calls people to focus on what really matters is a gift to the world, but So This Is The End manages this task while also being intoxicating and just a whole lot of fun.

[Readsbybernie · Rating 3 out of 5]

What would you do if you knew you only had 24h left to live?
The idea of this book was really good, although, I feel like it was a bit rushed. At times, it did make me think about the things in life I could appreciate more.
It wasn’t as impactful as I thought it would be, but overall I enjoyed it.

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting and creative premise; enjoyed that it made you think about how you're spending your time.

[autumn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am without words to describe it - this book is changing my life. Thank you, Alexandra.

[Cara Meredith · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really love the idea overall - live life to the full, because what if you do only have 24 hours? The writing is so-so.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Started out compellingly, got a bit boring. Hated the ending.

[Samantha Ostwald · Rating 4 out of 5]

The idea was great but...

There were parts of the book that were amazing, parts of the book that were annoying and not well written. I feel like the author tried to sprinkle intimacy in, the way Emeril tosses in a spice and says "Bam," sometimes "Bam" worked, sometimes "Bam" made me feel like it was written for just a filler. The conflict was perfect, the resolution could have been perfect but there is this awkward hole in the middle of the book where the author tried (and sometimes succeded) to bridge the beginning and the end together. This book is an easy read, and short, it has meaning, I would have given it 5 stars if it was executed in a way that didn't feel like the author was grasping for things to write to fill up pages. Maybe it is just me. I do love how the author included the playlist she made and listened to while writing the book.

[Gary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting, yet easy read 😊

This book touches on many points which we always seem to overlook. It makes me want to find the real person inside myself and others, which seems almost impossible to do nowadays. Society is judgemental and robotic. A simple read, but it was hard to put down, so. finished it rather quickly.

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book hooked me from the very beginning. The story is incredibly rich and compelling, and it also made reflect on my life and say an extra I Love You to my people. What a joy to have such an experience! I can't wait to read this book again!

[Kellie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just adore Alexandra franzen’s writing. Have enjoyed her blog for several years now and heard her speak on many podcasts. Loved this concept of what would you do if you got to start your life over one more time for 24 hours. Puts things in real perspective.

[Tara East · Rating 5 out of 5]

This sweet novel has a big heart and a powerful message that we all need reminding of daily! Alexandra Franzen writing is elegant and warm. I thoroughly enjoyed accompanying Nora through her final 24 hours. Highly recommend.

[Bea Kovács]

Hmmm, this book is exactly what you would expect based on its cover. My mistake that based on the reviews I expected something more… 😌 I understand the good intentions, it’s cute but extremely cheesy and predictable.

[Suncere · Rating 5 out of 5]

You know how a roller coaster is short but intense and, if you’re lucky, a wide ride? That was this book! So much is packed in its short pages that cover a span of less than 35 hours. Made me reflect on my own life. Made me cry. Made me feel … just like a good book should.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading the author’s note at the end, it is extremely clear that I did not interpret this how she had hoped! (Clearly a negative Nancy over here.) The story is captivating and feels very original, plus it is well written. And short! Give it a try! And then tell me your takeaway please.

[Trudy Johns · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this futuristic love story!!!

[Sandy K · Rating 4 out of 5]

Engaging. A very quick read and something we could all stand to think about. Well done AF.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

My face will be a puffy mess tomorrow. I don't care. All I can think is: What the fuck am I doing with my life?

[Sarah Riley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book. Quick easy read but a great reminder to get busy living and enjoy each moment.

[TheHappyGirl03 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love the plot..the flow of the story is easy and relax..just enough drama, comedy and sexiness..

[Errin Weisman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love the underlying theme of this book and Alexandra as an inspirational author.

[Roger Hyttinen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting take on "living in the moment" with a Sci-Fi twist. Enjoyable and moving story.

[Suhailah Iskandar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chance and using it wisely.